Spoiler Alert: The article contains detailed spoilers for Andor Season 2, Episodes 1, 2, and 3.
Cassian Andor is on the way to shake the galaxy with some rebel vengeance. Andor’s much anticipated Season 2 premiered with three episodes titled ‘One Year Later,' ‘Sagrona Teema,’ and ‘Harvest.' Season 2 takes place a year after the events on Ferrix and about four years before the Battle of Yavin, where we see the destruction of the Death Star. Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna) is now working on a mission with Luthen Rael (played by Stellan Skarsgård) as they prepare to take the rebel movement to the next level.
Unlike Season 1, where Cassian was still finding his ground as a rebel, this season he appears more confident and driven. He would display his leadership skills as he takes on unexpected situations. Every character is more nuanced and layered. We get an in-depth glimpse into the lives of the rebels and the imperial officers in play.
One of the more standout aspects of the first three episodes is the stunning visuals. The scenic shots of Mina-Rau, the luxurious, beautiful wedding at Chandrila, and Cassian’s newly acquired advanced ‘Imperial’ ship—the show offers us everything to perfection. While the first three episodes focused more on ‘where are they now,' we can sense the tension building for the remaining episodes in the season.
A bumpy start for Cassian
Cassian is working undercover as a test pilot. With the help of a rebel working at the Empire’s test facility, Niya (played by Rachelle Diedericks), Cassian plans to steal an imperial fighter ship. Niya is aware that after he leaves, she will face her inevitable death and asks him if it is all worth it. Despite this being a painful moment, it shows the extent the rebels will go to fight against the Empire.
After Cassian takes the imperial fighter ship, he tries to quickly familiarize himself with all the controls before drawing attention. But alas, he does draw attention and some more as he fumbles with the controls on board. After an intense chase filled with laser blasters and crumbling mountains, Cassian manages to escape.
Cassian arrives at a station planet to meet a rebel contact. He is attacked by some refugee fighters who claim that they are rebels working against the Empire. However, they do not trust Cassian and accuse him of being a double agent, thanks to his imperial ship and uniform. He figures out that they are all nothing but rogues who often get into disagreements among themselves. Cassian, despite being at a disadvantage, finds a way to make a run. As the rebels start to get into more disputes, deadly chaos follows.
A peaceful hideout is turned upside down
Bix Caleen (played by Adria Arjona), Wilmon Paak (played by Muhannad Bhaier), and Brasso (played by Joplin Sibtain), who had escaped from Ferrix in Season 1, now live on the farming planet Mina-Rau. Bix is still dealing with post-traumatic stress after the Imperial Security Bureau tortured her (who can forget the creepy Dr. Gorst?) for information in Season 1. They live among other refugees. They are waiting to hear from Cassian, who was supposed to contact them post-mission.
Their life is comparatively peaceful, but they get a reality check when agents of the Empire arrive on the planet. They go on to curb travel and other activities, inciting angst among the people.
As the Imperial officers start to take out refugees with the help of the local people, Bix and company try to hide. We witness the malicious side of the Empire when the agents exercise their power on the people. But never underestimate Cassian's timing, as he manages to escape the soldiers and arrives to save them. He loses Brasso in a heartbreaking moment, who was one of his closest friends. He also leaves behind his family droid, B2EMO.
Tension in the midst of festivities
In Chandrila, Senator and secret rebel supporter Mon Mothma (played by Genevieve O’Reilly) is hosting the wedding of her daughter. Luthen is also at the gathering, and he is anxious as he is unable to touch base with Cassian. Mon’s cousin Vel Sartha (played by Faye Marsay), another undercover rebel, is also at the wedding.
Mon Mothma is playing the role of the perfect host as she engages with some of the richest and most powerful families from across the galaxy. Mon is still struggling to connect with her daughter.
An always poised Mon Mothma is taken by surprise when one of her oldest friends and an ally, Tay Kolma (played by Ben Miles), informs her that he needs a favor from her, as he had supported her financially for the rebellion. Luthen feels that Tay could threaten Mon’s position. It is understood that Luthen ‘handles’ the problem with Tay.
The wedding is spectacular with the finest clothing, beautiful flowers, and foot-tapping music. The marriage, which is part of a business deal, is hardly viewed negatively by others despite Mon’s reservations about it.
Instead, Mon’s husband, Perrin Fertha (played by Alastair Mackenzie), gives a speech about finding joy in the moment. Mon is left with doubts of what the future holds, but she anyway embraces the festivities almost as if she is giving a final ‘hurrah’ before things start to spiral.
Empire sets on the path to create the most deadly weapon
At the Maltheen Divide, a bigger plot is underway. The Galactic Empire’s select powerful agents have come together and are being addressed by Director Orson Krennic (played by Ben Mendelsohn). He starts with a casual threat that the discussions about the new project are extremely secretive and cannot leave the place unless they are ready to face the consequences.
The empire plans to raid the mineral resources of Ghorman. The peaceful planet is known for manufacturing the most luxurious fabrics for fashion. The officers are seen discussing ways to carry out their agenda and show the least concern for the citizens of the planet.
Dedra Meero (played by Denise Gough), the ISB agent, is also part of the meeting. Orson shares with Dedra that she is there at his request. She says that they need a Ghorman insurgency for the plan to work. Dedra is not completely content with the idea of working on this project, as she was previously chasing after Luthen, whom she knows by his rebel code name ‘Axis.'
Dedra shares an apartment with Syril Karn (played by Kyle Soller), an ardent imperial supporter. We also get to meet Syril’s exasperating mother, Eedy (played by Kathryn Hunter), at an awkward dinner party. As usual, the overbearing mother that Eedy is gets on Dedra’s nerves, who asks her to leave Syril alone.
Andor Season 2 is streaming on Disney+.
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